The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-23
THE BRIDGE IN SIGHT.
Men of Brain and Means About Ready
to Span the River.

to Span the River.
Mr.. w. Van Benthuysen, of New Or
leans, who has been largely connected
with the building of several of the great
bridges which span some Of the principal
rivers of the country, and now vice presi-
dent of the company which is constructing
a bridge over the Hudson, at Poughkeep-
sic, N Y, is in the city, stopping at the
Peabody hotel. In company with him are
several other gentlemen, among them Mr..
Chas. p. Huntington, of Greenville, Miss;
the Messrs Ford, Of New York, and Mr..
Edmonson, of Washington, d. G.. The
ostensible object of the visit of these gen.
tlemcn TO the city is TO investigate the
practicability of putting into operation the
charter obtained by the Messrs. Ford,
from Congress, TO construct suspension
bridge over the river ut this point.
Mr.. Van Benthuysen was seen by
an APPEAL reporter in regard TO the OBJ
ject OF his visit, and said 81 am here
simply for the purpose OF seeing what can,
or is to be done in the way of building
bridge over the river for Memphis. There
has been no organization up to this time.
We are discussing the feasibility OF the en-
terprise. | cannot state to you anything
definite us to the plans proposed, for they
are yet under discussion. The charter
was obtained from Congress 10y Mr.. Ford,
several years ago. 1t took him fifteen
years TO get it, and he has been subject to
much undue criticism because he has not
been able TO put il into operation. The
fact is, there have been many technical
objections TO the charter, and as long as
there were doubts, il could not he expected
that capitalists would subscribe to the
bonds necessary in such great enterprise
The ablest attorneys here have ex-
amined the charter and the Objectionable
features have all been eliminated
so lar rs that is concerned, there is nothing
in the way. But II takes good deal OF
capital TO build bridge such as needed
here. AS | said 10 you, ! am here 10 see
what eau be done about the matter. SO
far am not connected with the Messrs.
Ford; am not member Of their company,
but ii the bridge is built the same gentle
men who have been interested with me in
the Poughkeepsic bridge, and who built
the bridge at Niagara, will be interested
with me in its construction. i apprehend
there will be several objections TO overcome
nflbit llt hlNAtfT tNn dNnuuit ldHRlDlt
shape, for there are always rival parties 10
an enterprise OF such magnitude. II the
river is ever bridgcd twill have to be done
by company like this. For any one rail-
road company TO have the exclusive use Of
bridge over the river would not
do. Ii would be too great
n monopoly and clearly against
the policy OF Congress TO grant such ex-
elusive rights. In the course OF q few
DAYS may be able 90 state TO YOU more
definitely the result Of my Investigations,
and what may be actually expected as .
result Of our visit but cannot do - now"
On the other hand, il is learned that the
Kansas City railroad company, for itself
aud other railroad companies. has already
obtained charter from the state OF Ar
kansas, and announces that IL will apply
10 Congress, at its coming session, for q
charter TO build n bridge over the river.
II is quite likely that lively fight will
arise between the Ford company and the
Kansas City railroad for the priyi-
lege, but Il j. 20 bc hoped that
the bridge will be built at AN early day.
so far ~ Memphis is concerned, IL has no
interest in the matter, only that the bridge
be built, and built NJ soon rs possible. The
company which has the money and willing
10 give them the bridge Is the one she is
most ready 10 welcome.